Introduction to Telecommunications: (Second Edition)
Course Specifications
Course number: 085975
Course length: 1.0 day(s)
Course Description
Telecommunications is not only a broad and complex field, but it includes many underlying technologies too. The first step in understanding this complex subject is to start with its fundamentals and build on its growth. In this course, you will explore the fundamental concepts and technologies relating to telephony, data communication, and wireless communication. 
Course Objective: You will explore the fundamental concepts and technologies relating to telephony, data communication, and wireless communication.

Target Student: This course is intended for beginners with no specific knowledge of telecommunications, IT managers, or other professionals who would like to understand the technologies and services offered in today’s telecommunications networks. Specifically, it is intended for those preparing for entry-level careers in telecommunications but do not have prior academic background or technical work experience in the field. The basic information presented in this course will enable students to pursue further specialized training in specific technology areas.

Prerequisites: Students should be familiar with the basic functions of their computer and its operating system.

Delivery Method: Instructor led, group-paced, classroom-delivery learning model with structured hands-on activities.
Hardware Requirements
You will need a computer for the instructor. Computers are not mandatory for the students, but will be helpful for them to browse the Internet while discussing specific points. The following hardware requirements are suggested for this course: 
•	Intel® Pentium® IV-class processors
•	Minimum 256 MB of RAM
•	Minimum 4 GB of hard disk space
•	CD-ROM or DVD drive
•	VGA or higher monitor
•	Keyboard and mouse
•	Display system to project the instructor’s computer screen
•	Internet access
Platform Requirements
•	Microsoft® Windows® XP
Software Requirements
•	This course does not require any specific software to be used in a classroom setup.
Performance-Based Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 
•	describe the various components of telecommunications, and the various standards and technologies adopted.
•	describe telephony networks, their supporting technologies, and the transmission mediums used in these networks.
•	examine Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), the numbering plan, and the dialing mechanisms and tones.
•	explore the components of electronic switching networks and the role of SS7 protocols in these networks.
•	examine the different services offered by telecom service providers to meet specific business demands and the facts to be considered while deciding on the type of service suitable for a business. 
•	describe the basic networking concepts.
•	explore some basic concepts related to wireless communication and examine the components of a cellular network.
•	describe the modern technologies used in wired and wireless communications.
•	describe how the telecom service providers use different systems to manage the needs of customers and networks. 
Course Content
Lesson 1: Fundamentals of Telecommunications
Topic 1A: Overview of Telecommunications
Topic 1B: Telecommunications Standards Organizations
Topic 1C: Basic Terms and Technologies in Telecommunications

Lesson 2: Telecommunication Networks
Topic 2A: Telephony Networks
Topic 2B: Analog and Digital Transmissions
Topic 2C: Transmission Mediums

Lesson 3: Basics of Telephony
Topic 3A: Customer Premises Equipment
Topic 3B: Numbering Plan
Topic 3C: Common Signaling Tones and Call Establishment

Lesson 4: Electronic Switching Networks
Topic 4A: Voice Digitization
Topic 4B: Stored Program Control Switch
Topic 4C: Switching Hierarchy
Topic 4D: Interexchange Signaling
Topic 4E: Network Nodes in SS7
Topic 4F: Types of Links in SS7
Topic 4G: Layers of the SS7 Protocol

Lesson 5: Business Telephone Systems
Topic 5A: Connections to the Exchange
Topic 5B: Enhanced Services
Topic 5C: Traffic Engineering
Topic 5D: The Traffic Engineering Process

Lesson 6: Basic Networking Concepts
Topic 6A: Computer Networks
Topic 6B: Network Topology
Topic 6C: Data Communication Models

Lesson 7: Basics of Wireless Communication
Topic 7A: Wireless Communication
Topic 7B: Mobile Communication

Lesson 8: Modern Telecommunication Technologies
Topic 8A: Wired Communication Technologies
Topic 8B: Wireless Communication Technologies
Topic 8C: Recent Trends in Telecommunications

Lesson 9: Operations Support Systems
Topic 9A: Support Service Systems
Topic 9B: Network Management Systems